Homeward-bound Crabtree not receptive to contract questions

Niners wide receiver Michael Crabtree didn’t want to discuss a potential future contract extension today, but he was happy to discuss his past.

Crabtree, who grew up in Dallas as a die-hard Cowboys fan, has purchased about 70 tickets for friends and family in advance of the 49ers’ season-opening visit to At&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.

For about five years – starting when he was 6 – Crabtree hawked concessions during Cowboys games at old Texas Stadium.

“I think my family’s more excited than I am,” Crabtree said. “But I’m excited, man. Going from selling popcorn and hot dogs in the stands with the Cowboys and now being able to play them? I think that’s a big change. Anybody has got to be excited about that. I just can’t wait to go back home.”

Crabtree, however, was decidedly less enthused about discussing his contract situation. He’s entering the final year of his deal and the NFL Network reported Aug. 19 there was progress between the 49ers and Crabtree’s representatives on an extension.

Crabtree swatted away the first contract question – “I let that handle itself,” he said – and became officially exasperated with a second query on the topic.

“I wish I could talk to you about the contract, but I can’t,” Crabtree said. “You know what I’m saying? Because we don’t really need to be talking about the contract right now. I’m not going to answer any more questions if ya’ll keep asking. I’m not going to answer anything about the contract. Anything about football and this game, we’re good.”

Crabtree, who missed practice Wednesday with a calf injury, said his ailment was minor and he planned to practice this afternoon.

Not that he’d miss a game against the team he grew up rooting for. Crabtree’s favorite players were Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin and Alvin Harper, and he’s formed friendships with Aikman and Irvin.

Did he get autographs as a kid?

“A lot of them,” he said. “Towels. Gloves. I was the only little-league player with NFL gear on. For real.”

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Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio confirmed what was widely assumed: Inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite is the season-opening starter in place of NaVorro Bowman (knee) and rookie Jimmie Ward is the top nickel cornerback.

McDonald was arrested around 2 a.m. Sunday for suspicion of felony domestic violence. Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke have both said they waiting to receive more information regarding the incident before deciding if McDonald will play.